66 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 6, Ch. 15

tasmat—therefore: yuvam—both of you; gramya-pasoh—of an
animal like a hog. pig or dog; mama—me: midha-dhiyah—who am
very foolish (due to having no spiritual knowledge); prabha—O my two
lords: andhe—in blind; tamasi—darkness; magnasya—of one who is
absorbed: jndna-dipah—the torchlight of knowledge; udiryatam—let it
be ignited.

TRANSLATION

Because you are great personalities, you can give me real knowl-
edge. I am as foolish as a village animal like a pig or dog because I
am merged in the darkness of ignorance. Therefore, please ignite
the torch of knowledge to save me.

PURPORT

This is the way to receive knowledge. One must submit oneself at the
lotus feet of great personalities who can actually deliver transcendental
knowledge. It is therefore said, tasmad gurum prapadyeta jijndsuh sreya
uttamam: “One who is inquisitive to understand the highest goal and
benefit of life must approach a bona fide spiritual master and surrender
unto him.”’ Only one who is actually eager to receive knowledge to eradi-
cate the darkness of ignorance is eligible to approach a guru, or spiritual
master. The guru should not be approached for material benefits. One
should not approach a guru just to cure some disease or receive some
miraculous benefit. This is not the way to approach the guru. Tad-
vynanartham: one should approach the guru to understand the transcen-
dental science of spiritual life. Unfortunately, in this age of Kali there
are many bogus gurus who display magic to their disciples, and many
foolish disciples want to see such magic for material benefits. These dis-
ciples are not interested in pursuing spiritual life to save themselves
from the darkness of ignorance. It is said:

om ajnana-timirandhasya

caksur unmilitam yena
tasmai Sri-gurave namah
